Informal Training & Mentoring

7.9 / 10

(based on
24 ratings in 2015)

2015

"In my opinion, partner mentoring is brilliant, and there are lots of people to look out for you at the firm. Trainees exclusively share an office with a partner, not associate, so the level of work is very high. I find that the appraisal system is generally very effective."

Second year trainee, Sydney

"There is an excellent mentoring scheme at the firm, and I have had regular contact with my mentor."

First year trainee, London

"I can see that associates and partners are very accessible here; even those at the very top of the firm."

First year trainee, London

"I feel that my partner mentor is extremely interested in my career progression and a very useful resource. Mid-seat and end-of-seat appraisals are useful and I have only received positive feedback."

Second year trainee, London

"I would agree that both solicitors and partners are very accessible; even and especially the partners."

First year trainee, Paris

"I find that at the firm everyone is very approachable; even at the most senior levels."

First year trainee, London

"While I found it difficult to get in touch with mentors at times, I would say that are both helpful and keen to help. They give good, frank advice too."

Second year trainee, London

"From my experience partner mentors are very approachable."

First year trainee, London

"Partner mentors are available for a chat regularly. There are informal mid-seat meetings and feedback tends to be candid, but accurate. I know that generally there is a feeling that senior staff really look for you to improve your abilities and they take an interest in your development."

First year trainee, London

"It seems to me that partners and solicitors will always make the effort to give you extra training in an area if you ask for it. In my experience, performance feedback is constant, and this is ideal for my development as a trainee, and praise is given where merited."

First year trainee, London

2014

"I sit with a partner and I am working on the same deal as him and the partners and associates in the two neighbouring offices, so every time I send something out or review something, they are readily available for comments, assistance and feedback."

First year trainee, London

"I have received feedback on most of my work. The firm operates a good mentor system, I have a partner mentor, a partner supervisor and a trainee buddy."

First year trainee, London

"You have a trainee buddy assigned to you when you accept a training contract offer, and I have become good friends with mine. You have your supervisor in each seat, and also a partner mentor who is assigned to you for the whole of your training contract and input on appraisals and career development. However, you can always use more feedback and guidance."

Second year trainee, Sydney

"Partners are generally very interested in trainee development and very willing to help. My mentor has been fantastic."

Second year trainee, London

"Each trainee has a partner mentor throughout their training contract that must feed into their appraisal at the end of each seat. These mentors are a really good, impartial and confidential resource."

Second year trainee, London

"Sitting with a partner gives each trainee a great insight into the work the firm does. Associates are also at hand to help out, and most work from your partner comes from them. Each trainee also has an additional 'partner mentor' that sticks with them throughout the entire training contract giving advice and support through regular meetings."

First year trainee, London

"Everyone is really accessible and easy to contact. You sit with a supervisor who is your first port of call to receive work and are also assigned a partner mentor who is very approachable and is useful to talk to for advice on making seat choices, etc."

First year trainee, London

2013

"Mentors are excellent and are good at providing honest career advice. I have received very good performance feedback from partners and associates, telling me what I have done well and identifying areas for improvement."

Second year trainee, London

"Support from teams and especially junior associates is phenomenal - it seems to reproduce and expand as trainees become associates."

First year trainee, London

"Partners are all approachable. They will devote you time within their often busy schedules. Partner and fellow trainee mentor scheme works well."

Second year trainee, London

"We have a scheme where each trainee has a partner who is their mentor (on top of the trainee buddy scheme). Having a very senior partner who is interested in your development without being your direct boss is a good thing."

First year trainee, London

"My supervisors and in particular key junior associates have been extremely generous with their time when explaining transactions and tasks. They have also been available when away from the office and have supported me in relation to personal matters."

First year trainee, London

"Sharing an office with a partner or senior associate means that people of all levels become much more accessible. The partner mentor scheme also adds to this as partners volunteer to mentor new trainees throughout their training contract and through the first year as an NQ."

Our 'Inside Buzz' reviews are the comments and views of recent graduate recruits, giving you a view of what it may be like to work for an organisation. Copyright of all TARGETjobs Inside Buzz material lies solely with GTI Media.